Is it time to think about assisted living?

Presented by California Assisted Living Association

Many are facing the difficult situation of seeing their parents age and watching their health fail. But how does one know when it may be time for assisted living?

Sally Michael, president of the California Assisted Living Association (CALA), which represents the state’s providers, explains the importance of understanding assisted living, a special combination of housing, personalized supportive services and health-related care designed to respond to a senior’s individual needs.

Perhaps something has been nagging at you after your recent visit with Mom or Dad. It may be something as little as them talking about being lonely. You may notice weight loss or some other physical change. The once tidy house you grew up in is now filled with stacks of papers and the refrigerator seems a little too empty. Mom seems more forgetful than ever or Dad can’t seem to get through a story without confusing the details.

There are two real issues governing the decision about whether or not it is time for your loved one to get additional help or consider assisted living: their physical safety and their emotional well-being. Ask yourself these questions:

Does your parent have difficulty moving around the house? Is the home potentially unsafe for them as they age – are there stairs or other obstacles?

Does your parent’s physical condition limit their ability to eat, clean the house, bathe, shop or take medications?

Is your parent often confused or forgetful? Are they having difficulty managing their medications, finances or household?

Does your parent complain of loneliness or boredom? Are social outings and activities becoming considerably fewer?

Are signs of depression apparent? Does your parent’s living situation cause them to shut down and withdraw?

Is your parent mentioning that he or she is worthless or frustrated over inactivity?

If you answered “yes” to a few of these questions, think about starting a conversation with your Mom or Dad. If you have any questions about where things stand, it is often a good idea to seek the help of a third party – perhaps a family friend, a member of your faith community or a physician.

When broaching the subject, it is generally a good idea to start things off slowly. Expect the discussion to take place in several “installments” – not just one conversation. It is important not to rush the decision and to recognize that we all want to hang onto our independence for as long as possible.

In exploring options, know that assisted living bridges the gap between home care and nursing homes, allowing seniors to remain as independent as possible for as long as possible. It provides 24-hour care and supervision, but residents live in their own private apartments. More than 900,000 Americans enjoy living in the supportive and social environment of an assisted living community.